Teacher accused of being drunk in school faces firing

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A Broward County, Fla., teacher faces firing after school district officials say they caught him at work drunk and passed out.

Administrators at Everglades High in Miramar say a faculty member alerted them on Jan. 29 that math teacher Curtis Wiles, 40, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

Assistant Principal Anthony Smith went into Smith’s class about 8:20 a.m. to investigate.

“Smith observed through the glass opening of the classroom door that Wiles was reclined in his chair, with both feet on his desk and was asleep while students were in his first-period class,” a district report says.

Smith used his key to enter the classroom “and Wiles slowly opened his eyes and asked, ‘Mr. Smith what can I help you with?” the investigation said.

The administrator told Wiles he needed to check on a student’s grades and attendance, but Wiles was unable to log into his gradebook, despite three attempts, the report said.

Wiles was “very lethargic, had slurred speech, seemed confused and disoriented and had an odor of alcohol,” the report says, adding his eyes “were glassy and he appeared drowsy and was slow or had inappropriate reactions.”

Two breathalyzer tests were given that morning and Wiles tested at four times the legal limit, officials said. The school called a cab to send him home.

The next day, school officials found a small bottle of vodka in a locked classroom closet.

School district policy forbids employees from being under the influence while at work or bringing alcohol onto a school campus.

Wiles could not be reached for comment Tuesday. He has worked for the school district since 2001 and makes about $50,000.